Despite suffering a three game losing streak the Cleveland Cavaliers still control the East with a 5 ½ game lead in the conference over the Orlando Magic. They are 45-14 and have a 14 game lead over Chicago (30-27) in the Central division. The Magic are 39-19 and have a two game lead over Atlanta (36-20) in the Southeast division. In the Atlantic division, Boston (36-20) has maintained a five game lead over Toronto (31-25) by going 6-4 in their last 10 games. There are only seven teams with a winning record in the East and right now at 29-29 the Miami Heat holds the eighth spot in the conference. Here is a brief look at my power rankings for the top three teams in the Eastern Conference.
Cleveland Cavaliers (45-14) Current Odds to Win the NBA Championship: 8/5
Last Friday night the Cavs were blown out 32-13 in the third quarter and eventually lost to the Bobcats 93-110. The losing streak reached three games in a 95-101 loss to the Magic despite LeBron James’ 33 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. They got back to their winning ways with a 105-95 win over the Hornets with six players scoring in double figures. Last night they made it two in a row with a 108-88 romp over the Celtics with James scoring a game high 36 points. Through 59 games James leads in points per game with 29.9 and assists with 8.5. Anderson Varejao leads in rebounds with 7.8 per game. Next up for the Cavaliers are the Raptors tonight in Toronto, the Knicks on Sunday at home, and the Nets on the road on Wednesday, March 3rd.
Orlando Magic (39-19) Current Odds to Win the NBA Championship: 6/1
Despite Dwight Howard’s 29 points and 16 rebounds, the Magic lost to the Mavericks 85-95 last Friday night. In a big showdown with Cleveland, Howard led the team with 22 points and 16 rebounds in a 101-95 win. Against the Rockets, Howard had another monster game with 30 points and 16 rebounds as the Magic came away with a 110-92 win. . Through 58 games Howard leads in points per game with 18.7 and rebounds with 13.5. Jameer Nelson leads in assists with 5.1. Next up for the Magic are the Hornets tonight on the road, at home on Sunday against the Heat, in Philly to play the 76ers on Monday, and then back home to play the Warriors on Wednesday, March 3rd.
Atlanta Hawks (36-20) Current Odds to Win the NBA Championship: 10/1
The Hawks only managed to score 30 points in the second half in an 80-88 loss to the Suns. In a sloppy 104-108 loss to the Warriors, they were outscored 35-14 in the fourth quarter. Finally playing a full four quarters, they came away with an impressive 105-100 win on the road against the Jazz. Joe Johnson led all scorers with 28 points. In a 98-92 win over the Timberwolves, Josh Smith scored 27 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the way. Through 56 games Johnson leads the team in points per game with 21.7 and assists with 4.6. Al Horford is the leading rebounder averaging 9.4 per game. Next up for the Hawks are the Mavericks tonight and the Bucks on Sunday at home, on the road against the Bulls on Monday, and then back home to face the 76ers on Wednesday, March 3rd.
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